Contraceptive Device Discovered to Have Broad Spectrum Application for Women’s Basic Unmet Needs

Abstract

Introduction: The FemCap is an FDA, and CE mark approved barrier contraceptive device. To our surprise, it was found to apply to several basic unmet reproductive health needs for women. a) The FemCap is time tested hormone-free contraceptive device, b) It offers an alternative delivery system to the traditional vaginal applicator, c) It provides a safe and effective non-surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), d) It enhances the fertility awareness methods. Methodology: We conducted several pilot studies to explore the potential of the FemCap. We compared the retention and distribution of stained vaginal gel if inserted with the FemCap versus the same amount of gel when inserted by the vaginal applicator. We compared the safety and effectiveness of the FemCap with a vaginal pessary that treats stress urinary incontinence. We collected the fertile cervical mucous (Spinnbarkeit) with the FemCap to determine the time of ovulation to enhance the fertility awareness method. Results: The FemCap is a well-established, safe, and effective non-hormonal contraceptive. The retention and distribution of stained vaginal gel inserted with the FemCap is more efficient than the vaginal applicator. The FemCap’s unique storage groove for microbicides can potentially be utilized to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) topically. FemCap is also found to be substantially equivalent to the incontinence pessary in controlling stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The FemCap did also help to collect fertile cervical mucous (Spinnbarkeit) when using fertility awareness methods. Conclusion: The multipurpose FemCap would be an ideal tool for nurse practitioners, midwives, and physicians to provide women with safe and effective, hormone-free contraception. It also provides an efficient delivery system for spermicide/microbicides. It is much safer for non-surgical management of stress urinary incontinence. It is useful for the enhancement of fertility awareness methods. It is non-invasive and can be inserted and removed by the woman without professional help.